Collective Progression and Hierarchy

Working in Japan: An Insider's Guide for Engineers

This article was very insightful and interesting. It provided great insight to not only Japanese engineering, but also to Japanese culture as a whole. In was interesting to see the similarities but mostly differences between U.S. and Japanese culture. Of the differences, the one that stuck out as most relevant was that of the social order in the work place. In U.S. culture, in almost all aspects of life, it its usually the individual who sticks out with the most with individual achievements that receives the biggest at highest promotions. Individuals are always trying to out-do the next person and self-promote – this is not the case in Japanese culture. The Japanese believe that what is good for the company, is good for Japan. They believe in collective success over individual success. In each individual employee there is a sense of commitment to ones country. No one employee is trying to outshine the next. Even if one’s idea is heard and dismissed, another, and perhaps better idea is politely suggested. In the article, it provides and example of how counter ideas are mentioned in brainstorming activities. On page 2 it states, “A Japanese tends to behave in a way that is inoffensive and often complimentary to other people, not only his bosses but also his junior and senior colleagues. A polite Japanese would say, "I agree with you in a way; however, there is another idea, like this…," even if he actually rejects your idea. A Japanese seeks to gain the support of other people, which he hopes will lead to substantial cooperation from a majority of the members of his organization and, in turn, promotion.” This conflict-free way of employee interactions seems to be very helpful in the effort to bring progress not only to the company but also to Japan as a whole. This unique style of social interactions in the workplace has obviously improved the overall environment of engineering workplaces throughout Japan and can receive some credit for Japans economic boom. Many genius ideas have come from such engineering companies with this workforce culture.

How to Bow

This animated short, along with its side notes were also very insightful. I had no idea the importance and intricacy to sharing and receiving name cards in the business world. These social interactions in the workplace are another aspect of Japanese culture that differs greatly from our culture. Simple gestures such as sliding a name card in your wallet after receiving it would be seen as a sign of disrespect where as if someone were to take one of my business cards and put it in the wallet I would appreciate that they are taking the time to put it in a responsible place. Another interesting note about exchanging name cards was the order in which people present their cards. It’s one of many examples of how the hierarchy works in the workplace. “When a number of people are to exchange cards, the order stats with the senior person and proceeds to those less senior. If a higher ranking person from the group you are meeting mistakenly goes to present his card to a lower ranking person from your group, the lower ranking person should be alert enough to step back a bit to let his superior exchange cards first.” In my opinion, this display of rank and respect for superiors is much deserved and seems like a great way for people to appreciate and also understand what its like to progress their what up the ladder of seniority and hierarchy.